Argentina – La Selección

World Cup Appearances: 1930, 1934, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026

Highest Finish: Champions in 1978, 1986, and 2022

Among the many symbols of Argentina’s recent football resurgence, none is more unexpected than the “Cinco de Copas”, the Five of Cups playing card. The legend began before the 2021 Copa America final, when members of the Argentine squad played a card-guessing game. After several failed attempts, Lionel Messi correctly guessed the Five of Cups on his final try, sparking excitement throughout the team.

For Messi, the card carried special meaning. He had previously lost four major finals with Argentina, and the “fifth” would finally bring victory. Days later, Argentina defeated Brazil to win its first major trophy in 28 years.

As Argentina went on to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Five of Cups became a beloved symbol of faith, destiny, and perseverance, transforming an ordinary playing card into a modern national football legend.